Tomorrow, October 29th, 2005, I leave on my book tour for the promotion of Christ the Lord. So far, the reception of the book has been quietly astonishing. Reviews have been far more kind than I ever expected, and the the talk on the internet is far greater than I ever imagined it would be, if I imagined it at all.

Let me make a few statements before I leave you for an extended period of meeting my readers face to face. First off, there is much misunderstanding about this book floating around, and misinformation about me.

This book, as I've already explained, is a sincere attempt to bring to life in fiction the world of Jesus of Nazareth, whom I believe, is the Son of God. The Four Gospels are definitely the main framework for the story, the main source for it, and the firm structure into which any fictional liberties are carefully placed. Use of the Apocrypha is extremely limited in this novel, and the reasons for the use of early legends about Jesus' childhood is fully explained in The Author's Note in the book.

I do not have any particular interest in the gnostic gospels. They do not figure in this book at all, as far as I know. Also I have not written anything at all resembling the Da Vinci Code. I thought the Da Vinci Code was a scream.

Regarding my return to the Catholic Church in 1998, this had nothing to do with my husband's illness, as he did not become ill till four years later. And it had nothing to do with my own illness in 1998 which happened afterwards.

My return to faith is described in The Author's Note as well. It was not something that happened over night. It came about over a period of years.

I make these statements because as I check out the blogs at night, I'm amazed at the momentum of false statements about me and the book and the opinions generated by these false statements. There is something frightening about seeing the same mistaken assumption repeated over and over again from blog to blog. Of course this chatter will undoubtedly die down at some point, and it may or may not affect the fate of the book in the Public Square. Whatever the case, if you've followed me this far, let me ask you to be open minded about Christ the Lord. I am not exaggerating when I say that the book surprises people.

I'm very much looking forward to this tour for all the obvious reasons: I'll see my readers, hear their voices, experience their presence in positive and fortifying ways. And this publication is especially thrilling to me because my conversion was so intense and so total, and this book represents for me the pinnacle of what I have attempted in a lifetime of writing. Understand, I've never written anything without zeal. But I do feel that all my previous research and all my earlier writing was preparation for this.

Please do email me at anneobrienrice@gmail.com with your comments on the book, or with any questions you might haave, or about anything really. Use the subject line if possible to give some idea of your reason for writing. I answer as much of the mail as I can. And the subject lines help me to keep it in some kind of order in my mind as I proceed. Be assured that I appreciate completely your interest in this book, or whatever interest prompted you to read this message. And I will be reading and answering mail on the road.

In a message for fans, Anne Rice confirms what e-mail she uses to post to other sites and that there is no Lestat on the web.

Anne Begins a New Chapter: In her January 18, 2004 message to her fans, Anne Rice talks poignantly leaving New Orleans to retire to a country retreat, a new series of books, and the opening of Stan Rice's new gallery.

THE AUTHOR'S POINT OF VIEW ON BLOOD CANTICLE: Anne Rice writes exclusively to web site visitors about her thoughts on BLOOD CANTICLE. Click on the message below to view it.

02/01/1999: Recovering at home from a life-threatening situation and learning to manage her Diabetes, Anne has written a new, wide-ranging message to fans. In it she talks about her hospitalization, the new book she is working on in which Lestat returns, VITTORIO THE VAMPIRE due out in March, writing about Italy, themes in ARMAND, the Impeachment, and her thanks for everyone's calls and prayers.

08/11/1997: Three of the most asked questions are answered in this letter--will there be a sequel to THE MUMMY, what's going on with the film version of THE MUMMY, and how to get tickets for Leila Josefowicz's concert the weekend of the Coven Ball. Plus, the announcement of the series of very fine, very limited dolls of Lestat that are being made by Paul Crees and Peter Coe, lots of film talk, and Anne missing her fans at the time of year she is usually on tour.

04/22/1997: In "NEWSLETTER TO MY READERS," Anne discusses two Showtime mini-series in development based on SERVANT OF THE BONES and FEAST OF ALL SAINTS, the core of the story in VIOLIN, a new line of T-shirts depicting major characters from her novels, and the evolution of ARMAND into a full-length novel that will be the next in the Vampire Chronicles.

03/28/1997: Anne reports the progress on the film version of THE MUMMY, her feelings on the Academy Awards, and her excitement at answering fan questions posted to the web site.

11/07/1996: Anne's been reading all your comments and questions that you post and is thrilled to be able to speak directly to you in her very first exclusive letter on the official web site. Check it out and see what she has to say about Azriel, Antonio Banderas, and new projects in production! Soon, she'll be answering your questions, too. Anne added a "P.S." to this letter on November 8, detailing the type of feedback she requests and answering some often asked questions.

PHONE MESSAGES

When the fan phone line was active, Anne placed transcripts of her phone line messages on the web site. You'll find them here.

Click the date to view a phone message transcript. It will pop up in a separate window. Close the window to close the message.

February 28, 2004Anne discusses Gay Marriage, John Kerry, and THE PASSION OF THE CHRIST.
October 27, 2003Anne's booksigning tour schedule for BLOOD CANTICLE.
May 9, 2003The word is out! Anne fills everyone in on THE VAMPIRE LESTAT on Broadway.
April 30, 2003Anne updates readers the WITCHING HOUR miniseries, BLOOD CANTICLE, and answer the question "Who is Lloyd C. Douglas?"
March 12, 2003Anne has news on her new novel, BLOOD CANTICLE--and a related question for readers. She also recommends ABOUT SCHMIDT.
February 17, 2003Anne updates everyone on her recent surgery, and recommends THE HOURS.
January 13, 2003Anne talks about loss, grief, love, and writing. She also reveals more about the new direction her career is taking.
December 26, 2002Anne talks about how her family will gather together on Christmas. She also recommends MY DESCENT TO DEATH and GANGS OF NEW YORK.
December 9, 2002Stan Rice, Anne's husband, has passed away.
October 30, 2002Anne is looking forward to your thoughts on BLACKWOOD FARM. She also updates fans on Stan's progress and recommends Donna Tartt's new novel.
September 12, 2002Anne thanks everyone for their prayers and well-wishes for Stan. She also discusses what she is reading and writing right now.
September 3, 2002Anne asks that everyone pray for Stan, her husband, who is fighting a brain tumor.
July 19, 2002Anne talks about BLACKWOOD FARM, a new novel she is working on, and THE WITCHING HOUR television series.
July 4, 2002Anne talks about how the recent scandals involving the Catholic Church have fueled her study of the contemporary Church and where this is leading her writing. In addition, she talks about her book coming out this fall, BLACKWOOD FARM.
July 18, 2001Anne highly recommends THE MISTS OF AVALON and TRAFFIC.
July 5, 2001Anne reveals what she's been up to for the past month, as well as progress on the movie QUEEN OF THE DAMNED and release dates for BLOOD AND GOLD and the Showtime miniseries FEAST OF ALL SAINTS.
January 27, 2001Anne details release plans for the Showtime movie FEAST OF ALL SAINTS and her new novel BLOOD AND GOLD, as well as a hint of the next book in the works. Also, Anne talks about what she is currently reading--THE OLD CURIOSITY SHOP by Charles Dickens.
October 4, 2000News on the QUEEN OF THE DAMNED MOVIE: cast, crew, and Anne's thoughts.
September 12, 2000News on the filming of THE FEAST OF ALL SAINTS mini-series, MERRICK signing news, and film recommendations.
July 3, 2000Tantalizing tidbits about MERRICK, a FEAST OF ALL SAINTS movie, and a TV series treatment written by Anne.
June 25, 2000Anne recommends BELOVED and Toni Morrison.
June 11, 2000Recommendation for BOYS DON'T CRY and more details on MERRICK booksigning.
Two of Anne's favorite books, and the details on the MERRICK book signing in New Orleans in October.Two of Anne's favorite books, and the details on the MERRICK book signing in New Orleans in October.
May 12, 2000Recommendation for GLADIATOR, movie status, and new books to be released.
March 15, 2000Anne updates fans on what she knows about the QUEEN OF THE DAMNED movie and when her next book will be out.
December 2, 1999Anne talks about why she won't have a book this year and when the next one is due out. Also, film recommendations.
November 21, 1999Anne talks about President Clinton's visit to St. Elizabeth's.
September 24, 1999Anne answers a question about Esther from SERVANT OF THE BONES, and recommends THE VAMPIRE LECTURES.
August 10, 1999Anne pays tribute to the life of Sonny, a family Golden Retriever who passed away this week.
August 18, 1999Anne gives a rave review to THE SIXTH SENSE.
July 1, 1999Anne reflects on her travels and the places she has visited throughout her life and how those places seem to be centers of magic and religion.
June 25, 1999Answers to fan questions include movies, naming characters, vampires of other races, the wine program, and comics. Anne updates on the new comix company that will be publishing comix of her novels.
May 6, 1999Anne answers diverse reader questions, including how does she reconcile her liberal views with Christianity's definitions of good and evil and the similiarities between vampirism and alcohol addiction.
April 24, 1999Anne's thoughts about the Columbine High School shootings, the misuse of art, and the need to defend that art even when it is misused.
April 19, 1999Anne answers more fan questions, many about how she writes.
April 13, 1999Anne devotes her entire message to answering fan questions. She also added some answers available only on the web site.
April 5, 1999Anne tackles the question of why she writes. She also talks about THE SOPRANOS, GREAT EXPECTATIONS. Anne announces a forthcoming graphic novel of THE TALE OF THE BODY THIEF.
March 29, 1999Film recommendations, thumbs up for THE SOPRANOS, and questions for readers to react to.
March 23, 1999Scott Zebley informs fans that Anne is on vacation and answers some questions fans have posed about him.
March 16,1999Anne's weekly phone message was left by her assistant Scott Zebley due to the fact that Anne is a little under the weather.
March 8, 1999Anne regrets that she will not be able to tour for VITTORIO and muses about her current activities.
February 23, 1999Anne announced that the phone messages whe is posting on the web site will be EXPANDED from what she is able to say on her answer line. The first of these messages is about the Internet is increasing access to books and how it is providing a true forum for literary criticism. Also, an update on various projects.
February 15, 1999What Anne does with the first copy of a new book reaches her hands, her research for VITTORIO, and her thoughts on the Clinton-Lewinsky affair and beyond.
February 9, 1999Anne talks about the television shows and movies that have sustained her through her recuperation. She also sends her love to the family of Bill Norton, a young fan who died of cancer.
October 6, 1998Details on Gathering of the Coven arrangements and information phone lines.
August 29, 1998Preliminary plans for October events, movies Anne has enjoyed, and support for President Clinton.
August 18, 1998Anne's reaction to President Clinton's admission of an improper relationship with Monica Lewinsky.
July 31, 1998Recommending the film THE LONELY PASSSION OF JUDITH HEARNE and thoughts on Ken Starr's investigation.
July 4, 1998Alice Borchardt's new book (Anne's sister), and Anne's forthcoming books.
May 19, 1998Anne announces the opening of the museum at St. E's and hours at two private homes, as well as her new novel to be published Spring 1999, VITTORIO.
April 30, 1998St. Elizabeth's opening to the public and "roman-fleuve."
April 21, 1998More on why the tour business was cancelled, plans for St. Elizabeth's, and the forthcoming ARMAND.
April 2, 1998Anne's reaction to the dismissal of the Paula Jones case.
March 21, 1998The allegations against President Clinton.
March 2, 1998PANDORA and ARMAND, as well as Anne's thoughts on her return to the vampires, including a new one taking shape in her mind. She also says why she's cancelled the tour business, her plans to turn St. Elizabeth's into a museum, new ideas about what to do with the Happy Hour theater, and her recommendations for historians to read.
February 7, 1998A taste of PANDORA and ARMAND, and Anne's feelings on the alleged affair between Bill Clinton and Monica Lewinsky.
December 29, 1997Actors, Norman Cantor, Nuland and "listening to the flesh," and VIOLIN.
December 28, 1997Anne's dream about making her books into movies.
December 19, 1997Explaining the absence of phone messages, TITANIC, booksigning tours, and the VIOLIN signing at the Virgin Mega Store in NYC.
November 7, 1997Signings and appearances on the road.
October 28, 1997Summary message of the books, films, musicals, and other things going on.
October 21, 1997Schedule of TV appearances, Cowboy Mouth, the musical of CRY TO HEAVEN.
October 12, 1997The creation of The Vampire Lestat doll and other dolls to come and answers to fans who called in
October 9, 1997Anne's trip to Florida
October 1, 1997The rundown of the activities surrounding the Coven Ball and Anne's philosophy about her merchandising ventures.
September 30, 1997A recommendation for the Australian film ANGEL BABY.
September 29, 1997The film BULLETPROOF HEART.
September 28, 1997A discussion on Anne's wealthy characters.
September 24, 1997A quick movie word.
September 15, 1997Anne updates Dannion Brinkley's condition, details Halloween weekend plans, and thanks you for your support during her recent depression.
September 8, 1997Anne talks about the life of Dannion Brinkley, a major influence on her work, and asks for your prayers for his recovery.
September 5, 1997Princess Diana, Mother Theresa, and their works.
August 31, 1997Anne mourns Diana, Princess of Wales.
August 28, 1997Lots of updating, including RAG AND BONE, THE MUMMY film, and a question about the identity of Shakespeare.
August 25, 1997The complete rundown of the events Halloween weekend, Leila Josefowicz plays for Anne, updates on the video and Anne's current works in progress.
August 10, 1997A possible public showing of HAMLET and the Halloween festivities.
August 3, 1997Mostly Kenneth Branaugh and his films, with a bit about the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences.
August 1, 1997Animal rights, animal cruelty (specifically treatment of chickens), responses to fan reaction to the last phone message, and a recommendation to read THE DEADLY FEAST.
July 28, 1997Leila Josefwicz coming to play the weekend of the Coven Ball; Anne's recent visit to a cock fight; her opinion of Mike Tyson; and her admiration for female boxing champion Christy Martin.
July 23, 1997Anne recommends her most recent movie fave, MICHAEL.
July 17, 1997A word of mourning for Versace and the other murdered men.
July 12, 1997Anne talks about the darkness and pain of her most recent writing in PANDORA and ARMAND and how she is sort of disintegrating as the vision gets darker and darker. She also talks about the beautiful light continues to shine, in the specific case in the book SNAKES AND LADDERS: GLIMPSES OF MODERN INDIA.
June 18, 1997The opening of the Anne Rice Collection; Anne's fantasy casting for THE VAMPIRE LESTAT; and MEMNOCH in paperback with an excerpt from VIOLIN.
June 12, 1997JERRY MAGUIRE and praise for Tom Cruise; a possible concert by Leila Josefowicz at St. Elizabeth's the weekend of the Coven Ball; the gift of writing; and a new book deal for Anne's sister, Alice O'Brien Borchardt.
June 8, 1997More praise for Leonardo DiCaprio and Anne's dream for him to play Lestat in films directed by Mel Gibson; James Cameron and THE MUMMY; hopes for Warner Brothers movies dashed; recommended violinists; and new T-shirts in the works.
June 3, 1997Possible new hope for the vampire movies with rights residing at Warner Bros, more DiCaprio films to recommend, Anne's night prayers, and ARMAND as a direct sequel to MEMNOCH THE DEVIL.
June 1, 1997Leonardo DiCaprio enters Anne's pantheon of movie gods, Anne reveals her connection to the French poet Rimbaud, and more on the vampires--including Pandora's voice and Armand's past.
May 27, 1997Lots of movie talk and changes to the phone line coming soon.
May 25, 1997PANDORA is finished--and slated for a March 1998 release! Also, Anne recommends EXTREME MEASURES and finshes her Ultimate Warriors story.
May 17, 1997You made the difference! Because of your calls and e-mails, there will be two novels a year published! Anne thanks you profusely, gives a merchandise update, talks about selling rights to TV, and gives a first person account of the Ultimate Warriors.
May 3, 1997Anne thanks fans for small novels feedback, talks about Ellen coming out, and sends best wishes for Jazz Fest.
April 27, 1997Anne's admiration for George Foreman and Ellen Degeneres, the need for positive gay role models for teens, and novels up next.
April 18, 1997Anne discusses her plans for writing novellas on individual characters and asks how you feel about it and what characters are of particular interest to you. Read her message and then e-mail your response!
April 12, 1997Anne talks about her joy at finalizing of the purchase of the historic Happy Hour Theater on Magazine Street and a vision for The Cafe Lestat.
March 31, 1997Anne talkes about the writing of Shirley Jackson and Henry James. She also sends Easter greetings and describes her Easter morning. And a little recommendation about the TV show IN LIVING COLOR.
March 10, 1997Several small vampire novels in the works (including ARMAND/SONATA FOR MARIANNE and PANDORA), daydreaming, historic preservation, films by the Coen Brothers, a planned book on Jesus Christ, TV shows set New Orleans, and the ups and downs of living in the Crescent City.
March 3, 1997Anne talks about possibly opening a doll museum and confectionery on St. Charles Ave, more on her thoughts on St. Charles between Lee Circle and Jackson Avenue, Kenneth Branaugh, and RAG AND BONE sets up shop.
February 26, 1997Anne gives details on The Cafe Lestat, reminds us of the first time Lestat meeds Armand, and talks a bit about her new TV series, RAG AND BONE.
February 17, 1997The view from Anne's window, the Armand novel to be called Sonata for Marianne, and God's tender mercies.
Feburary 13, 1997Anne's Mardi Gras experience riding in the Orpheus parade tossing golden rats, her preservationist activities, legal battles with Mr. Copeland, and imaginings of writing in prison.
February 9, 1997Anne reads her response to Mr. Copeland about Straya's restaurant.
February 8, 1997New Orleans during Mardi Gras, the new television series, and the right to free speech.
January 29, 1997Anne discusses Kafka, Shakespeare, and the evolution of a new novel she's working on, ARMAND.
January 23, 1997More on BEGUILED and Anne's thoughts on EVITA.
January 16, 1997Wondering what's going on with the movies of THE VAMPIRE LESTAT, THE WITCHING HOUR, and LASHER? Anne tells you about her meeting with Warner Brothers.
January 10, 1997Anne's prowling Magazine Street and the Shamrock Bar, a "wonderful taste of real, old New Orleans.
January 6, 1997Anne raves about her sister's new book BEGUILED, recent movies, and the January 5th Open House.
January 2, 1997Anne sends a happy New Year, gives details on the open house at her properties, and talks about the movie SLEEPERS.
December 20, 1996Anne sets the record straight on her purchase of Our Lady Of Perpetual Help Chapel and responds to Angus Lind's criticism that appeared in the Times-Picayune.